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Deck Screening
updated: Oct 10, 2012, 10:11 AM

By Edhat Subscriber

I would like to enclose my wooden deck with screen walls and some sort of roof, and I'm not sure where to start. (Drat the learning curve on projects...I know how to do all the things I've already done!) I have design preferences, but don't know whether I should just start looking around for materials and then hire a builder to put it together, or if there's someplace in town that specializes in these kinds of projects. What kind of screens are best, etc. I need to be economical, and want to be as green as possible. Any ideas? Thank you so much!

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 329962	2012-10-10 10:32 AM
what's your budget?
COMMENT 329968	2012-10-10 10:44 AM
Talk to the helpful folks at Home Depot. Find the older ones, see what kinds of upcoming classes they offer.
COMMENT 329978	2012-10-10 11:11 AM
Talk to a couple builders and get them to sketch and price the job. They will be able to accurately identify the materials needed. They get materials at lower prices than you can. I would trust the builder more than Home Depot.
COMMENT 330019	2012-10-10 12:58 PM
With a permit, believe me! If someone complains (and I'm sure they will) you'll possibly have to tear it down, get the permits anyway and start over. Experience speaking here.
COMMENT 330035	2012-10-10 01:45 PM
If you get a permit your taxes will go up because they will consider that living square footage and you may need to have an engineer sign off on the building (they won't) If an engineer won't sign off on it you may need to re-pour footing and re- build the structure, after an architect draws your plans........ not just of the addition but of the entire house. They may also make you replace your sewer line and City tie in. I'm not kidding.
COMMENT 330040P	2012-10-10 02:13 PM
Building permits are getting more expensive and require more and more nitpicky details. However, it is cheaper than making your additions, and having to rip it out and do it over when the City/County catches you, and wants it done a different way. Start with an architect to explore your ideas and give you some idea of what will be required. It may seem like an extra expense, but it is a lot cheaper to make changes on paper than after you build. I recommend architect Jeffrey Stoutenborough (www.jsa-sb.com). He offers a free consultation to look at your project. And, happens to be good with landscape designs as well as whole house. Good luck!
COMMENT 330061	2012-10-10 03:18 PM
If you're in a mellow neighborhood with reasonable neighbors, you can probably get away without permits for a small job like this. Take lots of pictures during construction and plead ignorance if someone drops a dime on you. However, if you sell your home in SB city or apply for an unrelated permit that does require inspections be prepared for the consequences. Even though this is a small project talk to builders for an estimate and design ideas; heck, offer to pay the guy for an hour of his time and throw in a six pack. The experienced contractors will know where the grey areas are and can spell out the potential liabilities. Ask around for contractors that specialize in decks and small additions.
COMMENT 330087	2012-10-10 04:16 PM
Always start with the design. Do not use a building contractor for this. Contractors are good at building and THINK they're good at design. Use a building designer or architect. Design skills do not equal building skills and vice/verse. Then, and only then, get estimates based on this design from carpenters and/or general contractors. This way you'll get apples to apples comparison for the building costs. Do not rush the design phase. Take your time, you'll save a lot of money and end up with a way better project. Everyone wants to start pounding nails before the plans are complete. Bad idea.
COMMENT 330121	2012-10-10 05:36 PM
Get a building permit, or at least check with the planning and building departments first. I am an architect and frequently run across non-permitted construction, which generally is unsafe, doesn't conform to code and is substandard quality. Do it once right.
EMUWREN1	2012-10-10 07:50 PM
Two pertinent points were made in previous comments: Point #1: What's your budget? Point# 2: 035 wasn't kidding. I don't know if you live within City limits, but the sewer line replacement and tie-in is the latest (that I know of, as of two months ago) in a long line of reasons to rethink permit vs. no permit. Unlike you, I am fortunate enough to know a talented builder who is also great with design. When I went to City Bldg Dept, I got a nasty shock with the whole sewer line thing. Now even the simplest project can trigger the sewer line replacement! Yikes! So, we're rethinking our proposed project. Your neighbors are unlikely to report you, unless there is already bad blood. AND if you make too much noise. Don't let your workmen play their boomboxes or yell back and forth at each other. No work on the weekends. Keep it quiet, get it done quickly. Best of luck.

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